"I've never known a Trumpeter Swan to need a trumpet, but your case is different. I intend to get you what you need." (E. B. White, _The Trumpet of the Swan_)

Are you a word wiz?

We intend to tell you more about "intend"—specifically about other meanings the word has. Which of the following do you think is one of them?

A. to want to do something in one's own way

B. to believe in the truth of something

C. to want something to express a particular meaning

D. to believe that one is responsible for something

This statement is intended to be an explanation: "intend" can mean "to want something to express a particular meaning." "Intend" has the Latin word "tendere," meaning "stretch" at its root. A number of words you're likely familiar with also trace back to "tendere," including "pretend," "attend," and "extend." Another "tendere" word has to do with stretching in a physical way: a "tendon" is a tough piece of tissue in your body that connects a muscle to a bone. Without tendons, you wouldn't be able to stretch out your arms or legs.